Novak Djokovic deportation 2.0: World No. 1 in fresh battle after visa cancelled for second time

Novak Djokovic has had his visa cancelled for a second time, casting serious doubt over whether he can play in the Australian Open. What happens next will decide whether the all-time great is able to push for a record-breaking 21st grand slam title at Melbourne Park in the next fortnight. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke announced he had invoked his discretionary power, immediately seeking to deport the tennis star. The saga could now return to the Federal Circuit Court, where Djokovic won his case to have his first visa cancellation quashed on Monday. A source close to Djokovic’s camp said he and his team are considering the decision and his options. Djokovic’s legal team was served a notification of his visa cancellation at 6.03pm — almost 10 minutes after media was notified. A final decision on Djokovic’s next move is expected soon. But legal experts have told the Herald Sun it would be difficult for the court to deal with the fresh action by the Australian Open on Monday. That means Djokovic could be spending the tournament locked up in detention, instead of on Centre Court for his round-one match against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic. Should Djokovic withdraw from the tournament – by his own wishes or otherwise – now that Thursday’s draw has been completed, the No.5 seed Andrey Rublev would take his opponent. Rublev’s opponent would then fall to the No.17 seed, Gael Monfils. But as the tournament grows closer, that could yet change again. However, should he withdraw or be withdrawn after the first day of play is announced – which is set to occur this weekend – he would be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser. In statement that came through late on Friday, Mr Hawke confirmed the decision was based “in the public interest”. “Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” the statement read. “This decision followed orders by the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 10 January 2022, quashing a prior cancellation decision on procedural fairness grounds. “In making this decision, I carefully considered information provided to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic. “The Morrison Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I thank the officers of the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force who work every day to serve Australia’s interests in increasingly challenging operational environments.” Earlier this week, Djokovic, who spent four nights in a detention hotel in Carlton, won a court battle against the Home Affairs Minister. Judge Anthony Kelly found the decision to cancel the world No 1’s visa was “unreasonable” and ruled in favour of the Djokovic being allowed to remain in the country. The win however did not guarantee him entry to the Australian Open as the government would have to decide whether or not they would act on the personal power of cancellation. After deliberating since Monday night, Minister Hawke finally confirmed he would use that power on Friday.